Everything You Need to Know About This Week in Food

Want to seem like you know what you’re talking about while discussing current events at the dinner table this week? Read through our essential guide to the week’s earth-shattering food news. Find out which legendary Chicago chef died, what happened to the Balthazar bathroom attendants, and why Mexican Coke might never be the same.

Danny Bowien served burritos for one night only at the soon-to-open Mission Cantina

What happened: Mission Chinese chef Danny Bowien gave NYC a taste of his soon-to-open restaurant, Mission Cantina. In a one-night-only stunt, Bowien put a makeshift burrito sign on the door of the soon-to-be Mission Cantina space and served burritos chock full of carnitas and chicharron, al pastor and fermented pineapple, lengua, and grilled chicken for $8 a pop.Who cares: All of NYC, and all of Instagram, and all those people patiently waiting for a taste of Bowien's Mexican fare.
Further reading: Check out the Instavideo of chef Danny Bowien creating one of his fine burritos.

What happened:Business Insider EIC Henry Blodgett wrote a rant railing against the presence of bathroom attendants at the famed SoHo brasserie. So Balthazar owner Keith McNally fired his bathroom attendants. But he's hired them back, thanks to a shitstorm of media attention.
Who cares: Bathroom attendants: "Wait, what just happened?"
Further reading: Find out more about the fiasco here.

British Novelist Will Self Threw Down with Jamie Oliver

What happened: In a piece called "Why I Hate Jamie Oliver," Will Self called Oliver "everything wrong with contemporary Britain," adding that he profits from "shameless avariciousness." Self also reports on his dining experience at newly opened Jamie Oliver’s Diner, and concludes that the food is pretty terrible. Let's put it thise way—it's unlikely Oliver and Self will be found talking shop over a bowl of mushy peas anytime soon.
Who cares: British foodies, Jamie Oliver worshippers.
Check out the Oliver-bashing here.

FDA Moves Toward the Banning of Trans Fats

What happened: The FDA announced Thursday that it would begin phasing trans fats out of processed foods, declaring that there is "no safe level of consumption of artificial trans fats." Companies are free to petition, but it is reported that they will have to meet "rigorous standards."
Who cares: Any American who wants their country to be known for something besides it's inhabitant's growing waistlines.
Further reading: Read more about what FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg had to say about the organization's move toward health.

Lay's Announced New Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips

What happened: Lay's announced that it will begin dipping its original potato chips in milk chocolate and selling them—specifically to "millennial women." According to Lay's senior director of marketing, women can't get enough of chocolate-covered snacks lately. Oy, cue the Cathy cartoon.
Who cares: Apparently, young women. But also, people with the munchies, and people that definitely are not on diets.
Further reading: Check out the results of ABC News' chocolate-covered Lay's taste test

New Soda Tax in Mexico May Lead to Corn Syrup (Not Sugar) in Coke

What happened: Due to a new soft drink tax in Mexico, Coca-Cola producers might switch from cane sugar to high fructose corn syrup. The tax will tack on an extra peso per liter of soda, and is a reaction to Mexico's obesity epidemic. This may leave fans of this glass bottled pop blue, even though the contents of these bottles is debatable.
Who cares: Those hip kids that always choose Mexican Coke, Mexicans whose only choice is Mexican Coke.
Further reading: Learn more about the regulations for soda production south of the border.

Cargill Began Labeling Products Containing "Pink Slime"

What happened: This week, Cargill announced that they will begin labeling products that contain finely textured beef—or as we know it, "pink slime." The substance, made of trimmings from cow carcasses that are mechanically separated, is often used as a meat filler. Finely textured beef is often at a higher risk for contamination and, due to consumer's plea for transparency, Cargill has decided to make the contents of their products more clear.
Who cares: Americans who like hamburgers (so, Americans)
Further reading: Check out our list of pink slime facts.

Legendary Chicago Chef Charlie Trottier Died

What happened: Chef Charlie Trotter was found dead in his Chicago home on Tuesday. Trotter revolutionized fine dining, and his Michelin-starred restaurant was a Chicago institution for just over 25 years. Trotter was the recipient of several James Beard awards including Humanitarian of the Year in 2012 for providing scholarships for culinary students.
Who cares: Foodies, chefs, PETA
Further reading: See what chefs had to say about Trotter's untimely passing.

Latest News

FIRST WE FEAST participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means FIRST WE FEAST gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.